THE TRIAL of a Hampshire father accused of murdering his ten-week-old daughter has collapsed at Winchester Crown Court.

Businessman Mark Latta, 40, from Bishop's Waltham, had faced three charges in relation to the death of baby Charlotte in December 2001.

However, as the jury turned up for their fourth day on the case the presiding judge, Mr Justice McCombe, dismissed them.

Judge McCombe also put in force reporting restrictions prohibiting the Daily Echo from divulging further details about yesterday's decision.

Latta, of Byron Close, denies one charge of murder and two of grievous bodily harm committed, it is alleged, between October 1 and December 2, 2001.

He was granted bail with attached conditions including the surrender of his passport, agreement to continue living at designated addresses, the continuation of a £475,000 surety paid by close family members to the court, and an agreement to report to a local police station four times a week.

No date has yet been set for a new trial.